In Labrador City and Sept-Iles, we take part in a number of community forums, taskforces and planning meetings to discuss issues of mutual concern and align with changing priorities in the two regions where we are located. This is an important part of securing our license to operate and contributing to sustainable regional economic development.
Community Investment Programme
We are proud to be able to work alongside more than 50 community partners in Labrador City and Sept-Iles through our Community Investment Programme that provides support for three projects:
Together We Care
Together We Care sponsors community groups for projects that relate to health and wellbeing, safety and environment, innovation and technology, inclusion and diversity and education.
Dollars for Doers
IOC employees who volunteer a minimum of 50 hours per year with Dollars for Doers are eligible to apply for grants to non-profit/charitable organizations that align with IOC’s mission and values.
Team IOC
Team IOC supports sporting groups that our employees take part in, providing financial and in-kind support.
Sourcing Locally
At IOC we are committed to working with local and Indigenous businesses who meet our supplier requirements and health, safety, environment and community (HSEC) standards.
Cultural Heritage
IOC works with our Indigenous partners to improve cultural understanding and increase inclusion and diversity, with initiatives such as our partnership in developing an online indigenous cultural awareness training package.
We also engage, consult with and participate in events with Indigenous Peoples on an ongoing basis including Indigenous groups in Labrador and Quebec:
- Innu of Matimekush-Lac John (Quebec)
- Innu of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam (Quebec)
- Labrador Innu (Sheshatshiu and Natuashish, Labrador, as represented by Innu Nation)
- Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach (Quebec)
- NunatuKavut Community Council (Labrador)
Land Agreements
Agreements in Labrador recognise the interests of Indigenous Peoples and also provide monetary and non-monetary intergenerational benefits. They also allow us to secure our ongoing operations and the expansion of our business. In 2014, IOC and the Innu Nation of Labrador achieved an important milestone in the signing of a “Life-of-mine” agreement, representing our commitment to developing valuable and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous partners. Through the agreement, the Innu Nation supports IOC’s activities and aligns with our values as a company and community engagement philosophy, while IOC commits to improving access to benefits for the Innu Nation through training, education, employment, business opportunities and other benefits. Also in 2014, IOC also signed an agreement with the NunatuKavut Community Council to support business, education, training and employment benefits as well as the opening of the Indigenous Service Centre in Labrador West in March 2015.